Ask the Author: Alice Kuipers
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Alice Kuipers
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Alice Kuipers
When I was eighteen, I travelled around the world on my own for nine months. On a plane, a man started talking to me and he made me intensely nervous. There was something mysterious and creepy about the way he kept asking questions. He insisted on driving me to my hostel but when I got off the plane I hid from him in the bathroom, trembling. I wonder what would have happened if he'd found me? Probably nothing--but the vibe he gave off was really bad. The idea of what could happen if a different path was followed was the impetus for my new YA novel, Me and Me, where the main character has to choose which person's life to save. I find that lots of writers like to think about what might have been--and this character gets caught up in two lives because she can't make the choice.
Alice Kuipers
Hi--I only just saw this question here. But you got hold of me through FB, right?
Ali
Ali
Alice Kuipers
Hi! What a great question. I love Eleanor and Park, and Violet and Theodore, and most of all I love Heathcliff and Catherine--tragic and moving and wonderful. Who do you love?
Ali
Ali
Alice Kuipers
I didn't see this question until today! I'm so sorry! Her name is Amy Bird and, secretly, her middle name in my head was Alyssa. Sorry I took so long to reply!
Alice Kuipers
Hi Alison,
I published that novel when I was 27, and I wrote it before that. I think that should count, although I'm not under 30 anymore ;-) I'm glad your student enjoyed the book - thanks for letting me know.
Warmest wishes,
Ali
I published that novel when I was 27, and I wrote it before that. I think that should count, although I'm not under 30 anymore ;-) I'm glad your student enjoyed the book - thanks for letting me know.
Warmest wishes,
Ali
Ali Kennedy
Thank you so much for your reply. I have just showed my student and she practically bounced off the walls in excitement! I'm impressed that you publis
Thank you so much for your reply. I have just showed my student and she practically bounced off the walls in excitement! I'm impressed that you published so young. I am in my thirties and even now I don't think I'd have the discipline to publish a book! We look forward to reading more of your work.
Ali ...more
Apr 14, 2015 02:50AM · flag
Ali ...more
Apr 14, 2015 02:50AM · flag
Alice Kuipers
Thanks very much, Alison! It wasn't the first book I'd written - I wrote several beforehand that weren't published. It took a lot of practice for me t
Thanks very much, Alison! It wasn't the first book I'd written - I wrote several beforehand that weren't published. It took a lot of practice for me to find the story I wanted to tell. "Hi," to your student from me - I'm happy she was excited. Ali
...more
Apr 14, 2015 07:26AM · flag
Apr 14, 2015 07:26AM · flag
Alice Kuipers
I've been several times and enjoyed it every visit. When the children are a little older, we'll take them too. It'll be a great outing with them!
Maybe see you there one day.
Maybe see you there one day.
Alice Kuipers
Hi Grace,
I'd love to come to Regina but I haven't got any upcoming plans to be there. I'm so glad you liked 40 Things, thank you. Next time I'm in your lovely city, I'll definitely sign your books for you.
Warmest wishes,
Ali
I'd love to come to Regina but I haven't got any upcoming plans to be there. I'm so glad you liked 40 Things, thank you. Next time I'm in your lovely city, I'll definitely sign your books for you.
Warmest wishes,
Ali
This question contains spoilers...
(view spoiler)[Did you know when you started writing The Death of Us who was going to survive and who wasn't? (hide spoiler)]
Alice Kuipers
This is a great question, Amy. It's hard to answer without giving anything away. When I wrote a first draft of the novel, there were certain things I knew had to happen. Kurt's story happened like that, for example. But for a while, I found it hard to be sure who would survive. I tried different options. After lots of rewriting, this felt like the right story and the right outcome. But it was tricky to get everything to come together.
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